Rockaway, a 2017 Coming-of-Age drama directed and written by John J. Budion, depicts the tale of two brothers, Anthony and John, who go through a difficult upbringing with an abusive father.
The story of the film takes place over the summer of 1994, and it takes us on a journey that involves friendship, resiliency, a quest for retaliation and ultimately sacrifice.
The cinematography is one of the film’s strongest aspects. Slow-motion scenes, close-ups, and a variety of camera perspectives successfully conjure a sense of nostalgia contributing to the enhancement of the Coming-of-Age themes that are at the heart of the tale.
The nostalgic visuals create a strong boyhood charm, making Rockaway feel like a homage to classic Coming-of-Age films, such as Stand By Me and The Sandlot.
Despite dealing with grim themes, including domestic abuse, the film remains accessible and captivating for audiences. Its engaging narrative and well-rounded characters contribute to a thought-provoking and poignant exploration of resilience and brotherly love.
The acting in Rockaway is a prominent component of the film, particularly when it comes to the performances of the young cast members. Maxwell Apple offers a nuanced portrayal of young John, capturing the character’s introversion and fragility, while Keidrich Sellati shines as Anthony, delivering a believable portrait of a youngster navigating a tumultuous family situation.
The connection between Apple and Sellati is natural and endearing, making their brotherly bond all the more convincing and intriguing.The supporting cast is similarly remarkable, with performers like Colin Critchley and James DiGiacomo infusing life into their particular roles and providing complexity to the entire tale.
Unfortunately, despite the good performances of the young cast, the film falls short in terms of evoking a more personal emotional impact. The reason for that could be hidden in the directing or the fact that the performance of the adult cast is not on par with that of the young actors, which is not that infrequent in Coming-of-Age narratives.
The soundtrack of the movie combines rock and urban rap, which intensifies the atmosphere and provides an interesting and vivid background for the plot.
Fans of the Coming-of-Age genre will appreciate the dynamic exchanges among the youthful ensemble, maybe evoking nostalgic memories of their own childhoods. In a nutshell, Rockaway is an enthralling Coming-of-Age story that addresses challenging topics while retaining a feeling of hope and nostalgia.
